Wounded soldiers take part in the ceremony during the unveiling of
the UDR memorial. Pic: Cliff Donaldson

A 'lasting legacy' to the memory of UDR members has been unveiled in
Lisburn in the form of a new sculpture honouring the regiment.

The 19 foot bronze statue was officially unveiled in Market Square by
Viscount Brookeborough, himself a former UDR soldier, following a parade
of around 500 former UDR members through the city. Addressing the large
crowd, which included members of Lisburn City Council, local MLAs and
Lagan Valley MP, Jeffrey Donaldson, Viscount Brookeborough said the
statue was a "fitting tribute" to those who served and an appropriate
way to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The unveiling was followed by a service of dedication led by the
former Archbishop of Armagh Lord Eames and a reception hosted by Lisburn
City Council.

The bronze memorial of a male UDR soldier and a female 'Greenfinch'
on operational duty have been set on a Mourne granite plinth in memory
of the 50,000 men and women who served in the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Each of the regiment's battalions is represented on the plinth in the
form of plaques which were also hand crafted by the sculpture's creator
John Sherlock.

In all, over 260 serving and former members of the UDR were killed,
and almost 500 seriously wounded, many of them off-duty at their homes
or workplaces.

Lisburn's Deputy Mayor, Alderman William Leathem said it was a
fitting tribute to the brave men and women who served in the Regiment.

"It is entirely appropriate that this impressive Memorial is situated
in this City and its presence is testament to the high regard that the
Regiment is held here in Lisburn" he said.

"This Memorial is a lasting legacy to the hundreds of UDR members who
were killed or injured and the thousands more who proudly served in its
22 year history. "It was a wonderful occasion to see so many members of
the Regimental Association and The Royal Irish Regimental Band and Pipes
and Drums on parade in Lisburn in recognition of the Regiment's
significant role in Northern Ireland's history."

Also in attendance was Lisburn Councillor, Ronnie Crawford, a former
UDR soldier whose brother Maynard was the sixth member of the regiment
to be murdered by terrorists in January 1972.

Mr. Crawford said: "The UDR Regimental Association are to be warmly
congratulated on the provision of a most magnificent monument in tribute
to all who served within its ranks.

"It is a most impressive sculpture, worthy perhaps of more gracious
surroundings and a fitting reminder of all the sacrifices made by the
vast number of its members who responded to the call of Queen and
country in order to defend democracy against the dark forces of evil.

Basil McCrea MLA with John Jamieson, Chairman of the Lisburn Branch
of the Royal British Legion

"It was most encouraging to see so many of the UDR family present,
some of whom still bear the scars of the conflict and also to meet the
relatives of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. To them, this
monument bears an even more special significance." Lagan Valley MP
Jeffrey Donaldson, himself a former UDR corporal, said he was proud to
have the sculpture erected in Lisburn.

"It was great to see such a large turnout, from all of the six
counties of Northern Ireland and indeed the city of Belfast. 'Although,
nice as it is to see such a large crowd of former regiment members and
local community, it's important to remember those who couldn't be here
because they sacrificed their lives to bring peace to this country and
to protect the community.

"That's what this sculpture is all about," Mr. Donaldson added.

MLA Basil McCrea paid tribute to the men and women who were part of
the UDR through the Troubles.

He said: "This impressive piece of artwork is a great tribute to the
bravery of the men and women, who put their lives on the line during
some of Northern Ireland's worst days.

"The memorial statue has been rightly placed in one of the busier
parts of our city so that we can remember the sacrifices that these men
and women made."

He added: "It is important that we don't have to face the tragedies
and conflict these men and women faced. It is important that we give our
current soldiers and officers the same support that we've given to these
former UDR members. The courage of all soldiers and officers, past and
present, is something we should never forget."

The UDR Memorial Trust said they felt it appropriate the statue
should be erected in Lisburn given that the regiment was originally
formed in the city in 1970.

Internationally acclaimed sculptor John Sherlock was commissioned to
make the tribute and he was among the guests of honour on the day to
oversee the unveiling and dedication.

Surrounded by well-wishers congratulating him on the realism of the
bronze figures, Mr. Sherlock said he was proud of the work and felt
privileged to have been involved with the UDR Memorial Trust.

"It was an honour to asked to do the sculpture and I know how
important this has been to everyone connected with the regiment," he
said.

Mr. Sherlock said he had been given a great reception in Lisburn and
added: "Everyone seems to be delighted with the sculpture and I regard
it as the pinnacle of my career. It is a deserving tribute to a very
worthy and amazing group of men and women."

Crowds line the streets to watch the ceremony in Lisburn- Pic: Cliff
Donaldson

Crowds at the unveiling and dedication of the UDR Memorial in Lisburn
City Centre. Pic by Presseye.